Then, Scripps acquired the Food Network and the vision blossomed. Now, two decades, six networks and hundreds of hours of new programming a year later, Scripps is a cable leader. The company employees more than 2,200 people around the globe.

"This business brings in over $2 billion a year in revenue and is worth somewhere around $9 or $10 billion in total value, so it's a big business."

The most bankable program? Well, that's a toss up between HGTV's "House Hunters" and Food Network's "Iron Chef" and "Chopped."

"Of course, all of the chefs that do Food Network become household names."

And, the networks' shows have produced spin off products from furniture, rugs and paint to wine, cookware and cookbooks.

"When we ask the question 'what's next?' it's more about how do we keep evolving."

For example, Food Network has cooked it's way into ballparks and now airports thanks to Scripps' cafe concept.

It's a brand that resonates with the entire family.

"There's no violence. There's no profanity. A lot of people say, 'Oh, I like to watch your programming with my son or daughter.' We're very proud to be a company based in middle America."